$2 vans gain popularity in Brooklyn as an MTA alternative
They are known to Brooklyn residents as the dollar van.
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If you ever traveled along Flatbush Avenue you might have seen vans picking up passengers. These passengers tell News 12 they are using these vans more as an alternative to MTA trains and buses.
The unmarked van pulls up to the bus stop, beeps their horn, boards passengers then takes off.
And in a couple minutes another one comes to repeat the cycle.
They are known to Brooklyn residents as the dollar van.
"The dollar van isn't a dollar anymore, it's $2,” said Lucy of Sheepshead Bay.
Commuters tell News 12 these dollar vans started in the 80s. Now, people ride them for different reasons.
"Gets you to a point way faster because on a bus, like a schedule to stop at certain places, like local stops," said Derron of Flatbush.
Derron, a frequent passenger, says speed isn't the only pro.
"I feel more safe when I'm driving with them rather than on the MTA," added Derron.
Other commuters say they take it to save 90 cents.
“When I don’t have change for the bus I take the dollar van,” said Theresa of Flatbush.
To some, getting to your destination quicker and saving some money doesn’t outweigh the cons of these unregistered vans.
"It's not safe. They don't have insurance. You get into a car accident, you're just beat,” said Lucy.
According to the Taxi & Limousine Commission unlicensed operators are responsible for 70 out of 75 violations on our streets.
In a statement, Selvena N. Brooks Powers, chair of the committee on transportation and infrastructure said:
"We are working to strike a balance: revitalizing the licensed commuter van industry while cracking down on unlicensed operators and ensuring that commuter vans respect and support the vital work of bus operators. By balancing enforcement and thoughtful policy updates, we can create a safer, more equitable transit ecosystem. "
But for now commuters say they will continue to ride these vans especially as MTA fares increase."That's not my concern, just getting where I have to go," said Theresa.
